Adrian Degg, 47, kicked unconscious victim in face during funeral wake at Stoke-on-Trent pub after claiming ‘he slept with my ex-wife’
A businessman who knocked a fellow mourner unconscious before kicking him in the face at a funeral wake has been jailed for 27 months after claiming his victim “slept with my ex-wife.”
Adrian Degg, 47, launched the brutal assault outside The Cottage pub in Oakhill, Stoke-on-Trent, leaving his victim with fractures to both sides of his jaw requiring metal plates and causing life-changing injuries.
The court heard how Degg’s victim was rushed to hospital following the attack during the wake on 2 December 2022, where he underwent two surgeries and subsequently developed an infection from the injuries.
Violent Revenge Attack at Funeral
Prosecutor Hunter Gray told Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court that the assault occurred at 5pm as mourners gathered for a wake following a funeral service.
Mr Gray stated: “There was a wake following a fixture. Just after 5pm a witness saw the defendant and the victim walking. The defendant swung his arm out connecting with the victim’s face. The man fell to the floor unconscious.”
The court heard how Degg briefly stepped away after the initial punch before returning to deliver a second, more vicious blow. Degg stepped away and returned and kicked him to the face. He described it as being with ‘some force’,” the prosecutor added.
Witnesses and other customers immediately rushed to help the unconscious victim, who was taken by car to hospital for emergency treatment.
‘He Slept With My Ex-Wife’
When asked by witnesses what had happened, Degg’s response was blunt and revealing. “The defendant was asked what had happened and he said, ‘He slept with my ex-wife’,” Mr Gray told the court.
The admission made it clear that Degg had embarked on what Judge Richard McConaghy later described as a “revenge attack” based on his belief that the victim had been involved with his former wife.
Life-Changing Consequences
The victim’s injuries proved severe and life-altering. He suffered fractures to both sides of his lower jaw, requiring extensive surgery and the insertion of metal plates. Complications followed, including infections in the jaw that caused ongoing pain and nerve problems keeping him awake at night.
In a victim impact statement, the man described the assault as “cowardly and brutal,” revealing the devastating consequences that extended far beyond his physical injuries.
The attack resulted in him losing both his job and his home, leading to depression and subsequent heart attacks. He also reported difficulties eating certain foods due to his jaw injuries.
Family’s Emotional Trauma
The emotional impact of the assault extended to other mourners at the wake. The sister of the person whose wake was being held expressed her distress over how Degg’s actions had tainted what should have been a celebration of life.
She told the court that memories of Degg’s “aggressive and selfish behaviour” at the event would haunt her, emphasising that the emotional trauma from the attack would linger for years to come.
Degg’s Defence Claims
In his defence, Degg claimed he felt threatened by the victim and believed he was about to be hit himself. He admitted to striking the man on the side of the head but claimed it was with “not much force.
However, this version of events contradicted witness testimony about the severity of the assault, particularly the forceful kick delivered while the victim lay unconscious.
Business Owner’s Failed Bid for Suspended Sentence
Degg, from Newcastle, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm. His defence lawyer, Paul Cliff, described the violence as “unpleasant” but attempted to secure a suspended sentence for his client.
Mr Cliff told the court: “After the two blows Degg walked away. Despite the wake inside the pub, this incident took place on the street.”
The defence highlighted that Degg owns a successful construction business employing multiple contractors, which he had built up over 15 years. The business has become successful over 15 years. He has built that business up,” Cliff stated.
Judge Rejects Suspension Plea
Defence counsel argued that an immediate custodial sentence would have far-reaching consequences. “If the sentence is immediate the business will fold. There would be knock-on effects for people largely dependent on him. And there would be implications for his partner and the children,” Cliff pleaded.
He emphasised Degg’s relatively light criminal record, noting he had nothing on his record since 2004 and that there had been no further problems between Degg and the victim since the incident.
“He can demonstrate that he can stay out of trouble. He is capable of rehabilitation,” the defence lawyer argued.
‘Only Immediate Custody Appropriate’
However, Judge Richard McConaghy rejected calls for a suspended sentence, delivering a damning assessment of Degg’s actions.
“You hit him in the face, knocking him to the ground and rendering him unconscious. You then kicked him directly to the face. At the scene you made it clear you had embarked on a revenge attack as you believed he had been involved with your ex wife,” the judge stated.
Highlighting the severity of the injuries, Judge McConaghy continued: “You broke his jaw in two places which had to be operated on and metal plates inserted. There have been complications, infections in the jaw, pain and nerve problems keep him awake at night.”
27-Month Sentence
While acknowledging Degg’s work history and family responsibilities, the judge was unequivocal in his sentencing decision.
“You are a hard working man. I have read about your business and how you have supported your family over the years. You have been out of trouble for 20 years,” Judge McConaghy noted.
However, he concluded: “Your offending is so serious that only immediate custody is appropriate.”
Degg was sentenced to 27 months in prison for causing grievous bodily harm, ensuring he will serve at least half the sentence before being eligible for release on licence.
The case serves as a stark reminder of how momentary violence driven by jealousy and revenge can result in devastating consequences for all involved, transforming a solemn occasion of remembrance into a scene of brutal assault.
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